Talks on how to make a flood-hit town more resilient will start next week.

Cumbria County Council is developing a project to install new flood resilience measures and defence infrastructure to the Penrith Road area of Keswick. The council is inviting members of the community to attend a drop-in event, where they can ask questions and find out more about the £2m scheme.

Plans include the construction of a new flood storage pond at Springs Field, and a new pumping station underneath or adjacent to Penrith Road, which will discharge into the river Greta.

Councillor Keith Little, the county council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “I am delighted to see that the early stages of this important scheme are underway. A lot of detailed background work has been carried out behind the scenes to understand how and why flooding tends to be more devastating in the Penrith Road area of Keswick than other parts of the county.

“This is a significant investment managed by the county council of up to £2m and will protect hundreds of properties from future flooding events, and stop the extent of surface water form disrupting the surrounding highways and local businesses.

“I’d encourage members of the local community to attend so we can listen to and understand their views and also provide them with more information and details about the work programme.”

A community drop-in event will be held at Keswick Library on Thursday, April, 18, between 3pm and 7pm.